Why I Started Blogging

Unlike many Blogger’s I can’t say that I spent years or months contemplating writing a blog. However, my passion for writing is something that has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. In fact, if I’m completely honest until 18 months ago Blogging wasn’t even on my radar, I knew nothing about it and had never even read one! I can honestly say I fell into in by complete chance!

I remember the day clearly, we were on a family day out and I happened to glance at Facebook and noticed a friend asking for people who could write to a good standard to get in touch if they were interested in an opportunity. My interest sparked, I contacted her immediately and discovered that she was planning to launch a ‘magazine’ style blog and was in search contributors. At the time I was in a truly awful place in terms of my mental health and my confidence was at an all time low, so whilst in theory the chance to give it a shot seemed perfect my own mind was doing everything in its power to hold me back.

After talking it over with Mr F he somehow convinced me to write a sample piece to submit. I agonised over it for what felt forever, writing and re-writing it until I drove myself crazy, eventually pressing send and spending hours worrying over every detail in my mind as my anxiety level soared. Thankfully I didn’t have to wait long before recieving feedback and I was thrilled to hear they wanted me to join The Socialite team as one of their regular writers! Whilst this news was amazing the self-doubt sat firmly on my shoulder whispering in my ear that I couldn’t do it, but I was determined to give it my best shot.

As I have already mentioned I have been a passionate writer from a very early age when I would spend hours writing my own stories and poems, filling exercise books at a rate of knots! In school English was my favourite subject which was reflected in my grades at both GCSE and A-Level with my ambition being to bag a job as a journalist. Having applied and been accepted onto a course at University to study Journalism I had everything in place to fulfil those dreams, however as a stupid 18 yr old I took a decision that I now sorely regret. I decided not to take the place for reasons that my adult head cannot fathom, but at 18 my vision was somewhat blinkered and so my dreams were all but forgotten.

Fast-forward to being asked to join The Socialite and I dusted off the dream that had been firmly pushed to the bottom of the pile as my life happened and rediscovered my passion. Writing for the blog was a huge learning curve, learning about the style of blog writing as well as the content that readers are interested in and thankfully I was able to all this without the worry of design and maintenance of the site as we had an Editor who took care of all that!

I don’t think it’s a dramatic statement to say that this opportunity has changed my life. At the time my depression and anxiety were all-consuming and threatening to suffocate me, but Blogging offered me the focus and creative outlet that I had previously lacked. Alongside weekly therapy sessions Blogging helped me began to see a small glimmer of light at the end of what previously had seemed like a never-ending tunnel of darkness.

For me I didn’t see Blogging as a way to make money or get free stuff it simply allowed me to do something I loved and the amazing success we experienced with our views and visitors really helped to boost my self confidence and belief, something I desperately needed. Having caught the Blogging ‘bug’ I decided I wanted to create my own space to allow me to discuss more personal posts about parenting and family as The Socialite was aimed at a difference audience. So, Fraser’s Fun House was born!

Like most beginners I had no clue what I was doing, and it was a pretty scary thing being out there alone without the other writers beside me. I had no idea if anyone would even read what I was writing, but that didn’t stop me I just knew I had to continue writing having had my passion reignited. Eleven months on I can’t believe how much I have learned (and continue to learn), and I’m so proud of my little corner of the internet. I’m sure other Bloggers will agree that writing a blog is all-consuming and completely takes over your life, but I wouldn’t change it for the world and I’m so grateful for all the support I have received. I still have to pinch myself that thousands of people read what I write every month and choose to follow me on social media, I’m truly living the dream.

I have been blessed with the opportunities Blogging has provided and I am working hard to constantly improve my content to help take my Blog to the next level. I would love in the future to make this my full-time job as it really doesn’t feel like work to me, it’s something that makes me happy and content and that’s priceless. Blogging offered me a lifeline when I was drowning and whilst it hasn’t ‘cured’ me it played a huge part in bringing me back to life. I am real believer in fate and for me the opportunities I have been given came at exactly the right time and have completely changed the course of my life for the better and for that I will be forever grateful.